Royal Caribbean Boarding Requirements

Please Click HERE for more information on Royal Caribbean's boarding requirements. Vaccines & pre-testing are NOT required.

Making Cruise Reservations

Debbie Hubbs at ddhubbs@msn.com

480-326-8210

All group reservations must be made through agent Debbie Hubbs, LC Travel (International Tours of Houston). You may call Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines directly for general information about RCCL or the ship, but they will not give you any information about our group. You will be referred back to DEBBIE HUBBS (LC Travel) as the travel agent for the Low Carb Cruise info@lowcarbcruise.com

When to register NOW! Reservations are accepted up to approximately two weeks prior to sailing. Pricing is best the sooner you book. Prices will NOT go down closer to sailing. If you book and there is a better price or better perks offered for your cabin category (and if it is prior to final payment date) we will ask for your reservation to be repriced.

How do I make hotel reservations?

Contact Debbie Hubbs 
480-326-8210

See the Hotel Packages

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What information is available concerning accessibility accommodations?

Below are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions on this topic,  organized alphabetically by subject area.

ACCESSIBLE STATEROOMS

Do you require proof of disability to reserve an accessible stateroom?

We do not require proof of disability such as medical certificates or disability placards. However, during the booking process we will ask guests to attest to their need for the accessible stateroom.

ASSISTANCE

What kind of assistance do you provide?

We provide boarding and departure assistance with wheelchairs to guests with mobility disabilities. We also provide assistance to guests who are blind. Request assistance once you arrive at the pier or contact us prior to your cruise so we may prioritize your assistance. During peak times, there may be a wait for assistance. Our crew members are not permitted to lift our guests.

Do you provide priority boarding?

Guests with mobility disabilities are offered quicker processing at the pier. If boarding has not begun, we will offer pre-boarding.

Do you offer accessible transfers?

If requested in advance, we can arrange for accessible transportation to transfer guests between the airport and the pier. This service is offered at no extra charge to guests who have purchased transfers. Please note that accessible transportation may be limited or not available outside the U.S.

ASSISTIVE DEVICES

Do you provide wheelchairs or scooters?

We provide complimentary wheelchairs for getting on and off the ship. If you require a wheelchair or scooter during the cruise, you can bring your own or rent one from a company that provides rentals for cruises.

Can I bring my own assistive devices with me?

Yes, you may bring and use wheelchairs, mobility scooters, walkers, canes and other assistive devices onboard our ships. Due to safety reasons, Segways may not be used onboard.

Must I store my assistive device in my stateroom?

Yes, assistive devices including mobility scooters must be stored and recharged in your stateroom so fire doors, corridors and elevator lobbies are kept clear for emergency evacuation.

Can my assistive device fit through the stateroom door?

If your assistive device is 23 inches or less, it will fit through a standard stateroom door. If your assistive device is 32 inches or less, it will fit through an accessible stateroom door.

Can I bring a CPAP or BIPAP machine?

Yes, please notify us at least 30 days prior to sailing if you will need distilled water and an extension cord.

COMPLAINT RESOLUTION OFFICIAL (CRO)

What are CROs?

CROs are available to respond to disability related concerns. They are trained on applicable U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) disability regulations and our policies and procedures for guests with disabilities. Feel free to request a CRO at our pier check-in counters at all U.S. ports of departure or at the Guest Relations Desk onboard our ships.

CRUISE TOURS

Do you offer accessible Cruise tours in Alaska?

Yes, accessibility extends to the land portion of our Alaska Cruise tour packages. One third of our motor coaches are wheelchair lift-equipped and Wilderness Express railcars are equipped with dome-level wheelchair seating, allowing travelers with disabilities to access both levels.

What about other Cruise tours?

Most non-U.S. Cruise tours are not wheelchair accessible. In most cases we are unable to accommodate full-time wheelchair users. If guests are able to take steps to get into motor coaches and can maneuver in a standard hotel room, they may be accommodated. Portions of these Cruise tours may require extended periods of walking over uneven surfaces and/or steep terrain, as well as extended periods of standing and steps.

HEARING DISABILITIES

Do you provide tactile interpreters?

Yes, we provide tactile interpreters on cruises to/from U.S. and Canada only, however SSP (Support Service Provider) services are not provided. Please notify us at least 60 days prior to sailing.

Do you provide CART?

Yes, we provide CART (real-time captioning) services on cruises to/from the U.S. and Canada only. Please notify us at least 60 days prior to sailing.

PLANNING AHEAD

Can I travel alone?

We do not require guests with disabilities to travel with another person as a condition for traveling on our ships. However, our personnel are not required to perform personal tasks (e.g. assisting with eating, dressing, toileting or lifting) and therefore, guest requiring assistance with these functions should consider these needs when making a booking. If there is a question about the guest’s fitness to travel without personal assistance, this must be discussed with our Access Department.

SERVICE DOGS

Do you accept service dogs?

Yes, we accept service dogs. A service dog is defined as “any dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of a person with a disability.” Service dogs are not considered pets.

Do you provide sod for service dog relief areas?

Yes, sod for cruises from the U.S. can be provided; please notify us at least 30 days prior to sailing.

Can I bring dog food onboard?

You may bring a reasonable quantity of dog food and bowls at no charge. If refrigerated space is needed, notify us at least 30 days prior to sailing.

What health paperwork is required for service dogs?

Guests are responsible for obtaining all required permits for service dogs to depart the ship in non-U.S. ports. These permits must be carried on the ship, and a copy left with Guest Relations Desk once onboard. Please note that additional screening may be conducted at the pier or onboard.

SHORE EXCURSIONS

Do you offer accessible shore excursions?

Yes, we offer two options: “Easy” tours and private shore excursions with accessible transportation.

*Easy tours, designed for full-time wheelchair users, are available in various European and Caribbean ports of call. Each Easy Tour vehicle features an access ramp (or lift where available) to accommodate a limited number of wheelchairs.

*Private excursions with accessible transportation may be arranged at certain non-U.S. ports at an additional cost.

How do I find and book accessible shore excursions?

To find accessible shore excursions on our website and brochures, look for the word “Easy” or the wheelchair symbol next to the tour name. Please submit requests for Easy tours at least 10 business days prior to sailing and private excursions at least 21 days prior to shorexaccess@rccl.com or fax to (305) 982-2547.

TENDERING

What is your tender policy?

In order to safely board most tenders, guests must be able to take steps and use a collapsible manual wheelchair. In addition, power wheelchairs and mobility scooters can not be taken on tenders, unless roll-on capability is available. Inquire about tender roll-on capability at Guest Relations Desk while on board. Please note roll-on capability is not guaranteed. In some cases, tendering may preclude guests from going ashore.

VISUAL DISABILITIES

Do you provide braille formatted material?

No, however we provide Qualified Readers onboard our ships for guests who are blind or have low vision

What is a Qualified Reader?

Select crew members have been trained as Qualified Readers to read written material such as the daily Cruise Compass and shore excursions information. Waiters will also read dining menus upon request. Please request a qualified reader at Guest Relations upon boarding.

HOW TO GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR CRUISE

PLANNING AHEAD

While we don’t require information about the type or extent of your disability, the more information you can share with us about your specific needs, the better we are able to assist you.

We encourage you to notify us of your needs at the time of booking, however, to guarantee the availability of specific equipment or services, please provide at least:

• 60 days notice if you need sign language interpreting services

• 30 days notice if you need special equipment or services (see list below) to accommodate your disability

If we do not receive enough advance notice, we will make reasonable efforts to provide the requested equipment or services, but we do not guarantee they will be provided.

To customize your accommodations to meet your specific needs, contact your travel agent or complete the Guest Special Needs Form on-line at www.RoyalCaribbean.com/SpecialNeedsForm

LIST OF EQUIPMENT AND SERVICES REQUIRING ADVANCE NOTICE

60 days prior to sailing

• Sign language interpreting services

30 days prior to sailing

• Commode chair

• Shower stool

• Transfer bench

• Service animal relief area

• Large print materials

• TTY

• Visual-tactile alert system

• Assistive listening device

• Mini-refrigerator

• Sharps container

• Distilled water

• Extension cord

• Oxygen supply delivery

• Dialysis supply delivery

• Closed captioned television (Only on Monarch of the Seas)

OTHER DISABILITIES AND SPECIAL NEEDS

These services and features ensure that more guests can sail away on an incredible Royal Caribbean International vacation, without a worry in the world.

SPECIAL DIETS

Royal Caribbean can accommodate guests with a variety of special dietary needs at no charge.

• We offer low-sodium, low-fat and gluten-free items on our menus. There is no need to notify us in advance. Check with your Head Waiter for assistance with selecting appropriate menu items.

• Lactose-free/soy milk and Ensure are available at no extra charge. Simply notify us at least 45 days prior to sailing and 90 days for European/South American itineraries.

• We can accommodate most food allergies in the main dining room. Once you are on the ship, speak with our Head Waiter to discuss your needs and review your menu selections for the next day. For complex food allergies contact our Access Department for assistance. Please note we may not be able to accommodate all food allergies.

CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES

Children with disabilities, including autism, will love our fun-filled, complimentary Adventure Ocean Youth Program. Some of the accommodations for our youngest special-needs travelers include:

• Adventure Ocean grouping by ability (rather than age)

• Adventure Ocean toilet-trained policy exception

• Pagers for parents of children in Adventure Ocean program

• Babysitting services in stateroom (age restrictions apply)

ONBOARD MEDICAL SERVICES

Every Royal Caribbean ship offers limited professional medical services for a reasonable fee. These physicians and nurses can be found in the onboard medical facility.

OXYGEN

All types of oxygen are permitted onboard. Please notify the Access Department as to the type, quantity and delivery schedule of your oxygen. Oxygen must be stored in your stateroom.

DIALYSIS

Guests requiring continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis are welcome onboard. Guests should bring onboard or arrange to have delivered all necessary supplies and equipment needed to perform the dialysis. Please have your supplier contact our Access Department to request clearance for port delivery.

We are unable to administer or assist with hemo-dialysis treatments. However, guests using self-administered hemo-dialysis equipment are welcome to sail under certain requirements; contact our Access Department for details. Otherwise, guests requiring physician assisted dialysis may make arrangements by contacting a service provider who specializes in this service.

PEOPLE OF SHORT STATURE

People of short stature love cruising too. With many of our accessibility offerings, such as lowered Guest Service counters and lowered playing tables in Casino Royale, height doesn’t get in the way of an excellent cruise vacation experience.

PERSONS OF SIZE

Larger guests are always welcome onboard. Armless chairs and special seating are provided throughout the ship and in various venues for your comfort and convenience. Larger guests may find our accessible staterooms with wider doors, roll-in showers and grab bars more accommodating.

COGNITIVE, INTELLECTUAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES

Royal Caribbean welcomes guests with cognitive, intellectual and developmental disabilities such as autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome and Alzheimer’s disease. Upon request, every reasonable effort will be made to provide accommodations to meet the needs of guests with these disabilities. Some of these may include:

• Priority boarding

• Boarding and departure assistance

• Priority disembarkation

MORE…

If you have another disability or medical condition that has not been mentioned, please inquire how we might make reasonable accommodations to meet your specific needs. Please note that not all accommodations may be able to be provided.

Also, note that guests should be fit for travel. We do not require guests to travel with a companion; however, our personnel are not required to perform personal tasks.

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Can I just book online myself? Why do I have to register with the group?

In order to PARTICIPATE in the Low Carb Cruise, you MUST sign up through the group.

Access to the Low Carb Meetings, special events and discounts are limited to those who booked with the group and have an official “Name Badge”.

Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines allows us to reserve the meeting spaces according to the number of guests listed with our group.  This also applies to seating for dinner – in order to sit with the group you must have registered with the group.

I found it cheaper online, why is the group rate higher than other published rates?

Sometimes throughout the year, you may see advertised specials that appear to be less expensive than group rates you may have seen posted. If a sale rate is better than any group rate advertised, we will get you the best possible rate available.

In order to PARTICIPATE in the Low Carb Cruise, you MUST sign up through the group

Access to the Low Carb Meetings, special events and discounts are limited to those who booked with the group and have an official “Name Badge” lanyard.

Booking Cabins – what is the deposit and when are the deadlines?

Full deposit of $500 per cabin is due when the reservation is confirmed.

For some of the cabins that are considered popular (Spa Suites, Grand Suites, etc), Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines MAY request ½ of the total fare as a down payment to reserve or 10% of the total cost of suite.

Final payment due dates vary by cruise.  You will be notified of when the final payment is due.

Solo, Triples, quads, & handicap rooms — We are NOT allowed to HOLD any of these cabins in our group allotment, but we can reserve them as requested. If you would like one of these types of rooms please contact Debbie Hubbs to get a current “quote” for the room rate – Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines reserves the right to book these on a “first come, first serve” basis because they are very popular. A “Full deposit” (see above) will be required to hold all cabins.

Royal Caribbean Cruise Line’s policy changes – Please know that any changes that Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines might make to their policies are beyond our control. We will do our best to keep you informed in a timely manner of any changes that Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines may require.

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Cabin Mates – Do you assign them and can my cabin mate and I pay separately?

Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, the Low Carb Cruise, and Debbie Hubbs do NOT choose or “assign” your cabin mate. We only book the reservations, so you will have to arrange your OWN cabin mate.

YES, you may pay separately from your cabin mate. We will need the credit card authorization form & information on a separate form for each person in the cabin.

IF you are looking for a cabin mate, but have not found one by the time the first deposit is due, you can reserve the cabin with a single, full deposit ($250 or 1/2 down depending upon the cabin type). When you find a person to add as your cabin mate, they will pay the other half of the deposit when they are added to the reservation. Please be aware that you might be subject to a “Single Supplement” fee. This fee can be removed once a cabin mate is secured for the reservation.

Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines prices the cabins “per person” but assumes there will be TWO in the cabin. Example: IF the rate is $900 per person, it will cost $1,800 to book the cabin.

Please be aware that the financial arrangements with your cabin mate are between the two (or three) of you. We will only make changes as you request them. We are not responsible for individual bookkeeping. Be sure to keep your statements & confirmations that show your payments.

Can we have more than two people in a cabin?

YES, there are cabins that will hold three or four people. Some of the upscale suites will hold more. ** See the room descriptions for the cabin types and the number of guests they can accommodate.

IF there are 3 to 4 people in a cabin the price is NOT simply divided by that number. Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines will charge full fare for the first two people and a slightly discounted rate for the 3rd & 4th person. Example: 1st person $900, 2nd person $900, and 3rd & 4th person $450 (plus taxes & fees).

IF you want to split the total fare between your cabin-mates, it will be up to you to handle how the total amount is paid. We CAN submit split payments for you, but the confirmation will reflect the total charge. Also, we will not keep these records for you – please take care of your own bookkeeping. We assume no responsibility for these transactions between cabin mates.

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Once I have filled out the form, what happens next? How will I know when my reservation is complete?

After have filled out the form, you should receive an emailed confirmation within 5 days. If you have not heard back from anyone within 5 days, please contact Debbie Hubbs by email at info@lowcarbcruise.com.

You are encouraged to look over the confirmation for the accuracy of your names and dates. Notify Debbie Hubbs if there are any changes that need to be submitted. This is important to do in advance. It would be unfortunate to discover an error at embarkation!

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What is a “Set Sail Pass”? What is a “SeaPass” card?

Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines has addressed many of these questions, divided into 5 parts: Planning, Reserving, Preparing, Onboard, and Afterward. All of this information can be found at Royal Caribbean FAQ

You will need a Set Sail pass to physically check in prior to boarding the ship. This is your boarding pass. You will get more information on this AFTER your reservation has been paid in full. Set Sail Passes are printed from the Royal Caribbean website after your online registration is completed closer to the time of sailing. If for some reason you are unable to print your Set Sail Pass, the RCCL people will help you get checked in at the port without it. This will just slow down the boarding process.

The “SeaPass” card is a card that will be given to you when you check in. It serves as your room key, I.D. and your “credit card” while on the cruise. After your reservation has been paid in full, and closer to the time of sailing, you will go online with Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines and “register” your specific choices, including what debit/credit card you want to be associated with your “SeaPass” card, etc. (Once on board the ship (not before), you may go to the purser/information desk and put cash down on your account, instead of using a debit or credit card).

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We are arriving a day or two before we sail. What are the hotel accommodations for our group?

Check the hotel links for each cruise.

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Is there Internet access on the ship?

This information is posted in the FAQ section at Royal Caribbean Customer Support FAQs

Access / Login – You will be given an instruction sheet when you get onboard the ship with the details of how to purchase internet time and how to log in.

Costs – varies depending on the number of minutes you purchase. There are fees associated with internet use through Wi-Fi and at the Internet Cafe.

Printing – is available.

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Is there a dress code and formal nights on the cruise? What do we wear? What if I do not want to dress up for formal night?

At meetings – There are absolutely NO special requirements other than “clothes” for the meetings. It can get a little cold in the meeting rooms so a light wrap is advised.

On ship – You will see ALL MANNER of dress. You are on vacation – be comfortable.

At dinner – NOW this is the only place with a dress code. Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines asks that no one wear shorts, t-shirts, or bathing suits into the dining rooms. These are totally acceptable on the Lido Deck and in the grill – but NOT in the dining room.

On excursions/shore – The important thing here is safety. Please wear sun protection, appropriate shoes, & carry your I.D. close to your body.

On formal nights – These can be as simple as your “Sunday” dress or as formal as a ball gown. We have seen an array of fashion on these nights. It is a great time that many of us get to dress up so we take full advantage! Even tuxedos can be rented online https://tuxedorentals.rccl.com/tuxedo/tuxrental.nsf before we sail. It is also a time to get some GREAT portraits taken.

NO formal night for you? – not a problem! The Windjammer buffet area and the café will also be serving food. It is your vacation and your choice! 

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Gratuities: Who should I tip? How much should I tip? Aren’t tips automatically charged to my bill?

You can either prepay the gratuities when you register, or you can wait for them to be charged on your bill the last night of the cruise. At this time the rate is $18.00 per person, per night (7 nights) and $20.50. This tip is split between the room steward, the waiter, & the wait staff. It does NOT include room service or the Maitre’d, or the porters.
Tipping can be quite daunting. It is recommended to carry one and five dollar bills on you, although no tipping is necessary on board the ship, unless you choose to do so.

Embarkation – it is customary to tip the luggage handler a few of dollars

Debarkation – it is customary to tip the luggage handler a few dollars

Room service – Room service is available any time of the day or night – simply order from the room service menu located in your stateroom/suite (service charge of $7.95* applies). An 18% gratuity is additional and will automatically be added to your check. 

Room steward – not mandatory or expected, but a nice gesture for someone who has kept your room clean & tidy. Go to breakfast – Come back – room clean. Go to meetings – Come back – room clean. Take a nap, go to dinner – Come back – room clean. It is wonderful!

Waiter / wait staff – This is not mandatory, but a nice gesture. IF you have received exceptional service, you might consider tipping your waiter an extra little amount on the side.

You have the option for prepaid gratuities and/or travel insurance (insurance for USA only). If you did NOT mark it on the registration form, it will NOT be assumed. You MUST let me know if you want travel insurance or to include pre-paid gratuities.

More information on tipping can be found here: RCCL FAQ Gratuities
We HIGHLY recommend travel insurance. In addition to unforeseen emergencies, insurance usually covers lost luggage too.

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What are the procedures for getting OFF the ship? (Debarkation)

Debarkation is explained in detail via the television in your room. There will also be printed flyers & custom forms delivered to your room the day before we return to port.

Debarkation usually begins by 8:00am, and it can sometimes take a couple of hours to get through customs. If you are flying out, PLEASE be careful to allow enough time to get through customs AND make the long drive back to the airport. It could take less time, BUT to be on the safe side, you might want to consider allowing about 4-5 hours for the entire process.

Luggage for Debarkation:

Self – IF you opt to carry your own luggage off the ship, you will be directed to the times each deck is released. Usually “Self Check” guests are allowed off the ship first. This is essential if you have an early flight.

Luggage check – IF you have your luggage checked the night before (by 11pm), it will be waiting for you in the terminal when you get off the ship in a special, marked section. You will be instructed to wait until your deck is released. This allows time for a leisurely breakfast, last hugs, and to sit and rest. You will, however, still have to carry your luggage through customs after you pick it up in the terminal.

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